It is North India's favourite breakfast option, and Delhi loves having its mouthful at any given chance. Paranthas are a stuffed version of the Indian flat bread, mostly served with pickles and chutneys. Stuffed, satiating and fulfilling in every sense, paranthas hold a very special place in every Delhite's heart. This is why you will find at least one legendary parantha joint at every corner of the city. So, if Old Delhi has its Paranthe Wali Galli , South Delhi has Moolchand Parantha, located right next to the Moolchand metro station, selling the most sumptuous variety of paranthas.
Running for over 50 years, Moolchand Paranthe Wala is a hub for college students who come to enjoy a bite of the hot, greasy and delicious paranthas.Mahendra Singh who handles the counter at the joint tells us, "About 20 years back, our dhaba used to function from 6:30 p.m. in the evening to 6 a.m. in the morning. You would find the place bustling with people even at 2-2:30 a.m in the morning." Over the years, the timings have changed and today, it is open only till 11:30 P.M at night but it is still famous for late night hangouts.
(Also Read: Egg Parantha: The Indian Breakfast Treat That's All About A Simple Trick)
Moolchand parantha: Photo Credit: Sushmita Sengupta
The stuffed paranthas were apparently loved by the King of Bollywood Shah Rukh Khan who used to often enjoy them back in the day when he was in Delhi. Actor Sushant Rajput also went down the memory lane and revealed his love for the Moolchand paranthas in a recent interview to a leading film magazine. Mahendra, who has been working at the dhaba for the last three years, shares, "Yes, I have also heard stories from my colleagues. This was some 30 years back, Shahrukh Khan would come with his friends at night and enjoy the paranthas with chai."
The celebrity fan-following, its central location in South Delhi or the late hours, what keeps pulling people back to the Moolchand Paranthe Wala? Perhaps all of this, but most importantly it is the quality of the paranthas which has remained the same over all these years. They are crisp, despite the extravagant stuffing and served hot with the mint and yogurt chutney, pickles and chopped onions. Most of the customers pack and take away these paranthas, but they also have a few tables where parantha lovers can stand and enjoy them.(Also Read: 10 Best Parantha Recipes)
People enjoying Moolchand parantha at the joint; Photo Credit: Sushmita Sengupta
The extensive range of paranthas include mixed vegetable parantha,aloo parantha, aloo pyaaz prantha and soya parantha. They also have some non-vegetarian ones like the chicken parantha, keema parantha, chicken egg parantha and egg parantha, all of which are served with a special gravy.
Along with the paranthas you can also try various thalis, and there are some main course options too. The rajma rice is strongly recommended. For your the sweet cravings, they have Kullhar Wali Kheer, Ras Malai, Gulab Jamun, Tilla Kulfi and in winters they have Gajar ka Halwa. The special range of flavoured lassi like custard apple, rose and black currant do not disappoint either.
The price of paranthas ranges from INR 35 to INR 120. So, what are you waiting for? If you haven't been here yet, plan an outing with your friends soon.
Where: Moolchand Parantha, Near Moolchand Metro station
Cost For Two: INR 150
About Sushmita SenguptaSharing a strong penchant for food, Sushmita loves all things good, cheesy and greasy. Her other favourite pastime activities other than discussing food includes, reading, watching movies and binge-watching TV shows.